Designed for long-range shooting, especially in low-light conditions, the Hawke Sports Optics 3-12x50 Vantage IR Riflescope boasts a large objective to draw in generous amounts of light to allow its use at dawn and dusk, or in heavily canopied areas. To further improve the scope's performance, all of its optical surfaces are fully multi-coated to boost light transmission, improve color fidelity, contrast, and image brightness. A large objective also helps to produce a wide exit pupil, even at the highest magnification, to ensure that when the eye dilates in low-light the entire field of view is easy to see without having to move your eye or head to see the whole scene.

The crosshair reticle is etched onto the glass to prevent fading or shifting, with a center 3.5 MOA aiming dot for precise shot placement. It has five selectable brightness levels in either red or green so it can be customized for most lighting and weather conditions. Red is ideal for low-light conditions or in areas with a very green background where a green reticle can get lost; while green light is easier to see in bright sunlight versus red. Covered turrets help guard against accidental adjustments while a fast-focus collar and knurled rheostat allow you to quickly adapt to rapidly changing situations. Complementing the performance of the scope is a lightweight and durable anodized aluminum housing, with a robust 30mm one-piece maintube that is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to be water and fogproof.